dupree dance 2015 national finals

DUPREE DANCE 2015 NATIONAL FINALS
Registration Guidelines The registration deadline for Dupree Dance’s 2015 National Finals is Wednesday, May 6, 2015. All entries for our National Finals will be registered on a first come, first served basis, and will be limited to the amount of performance time available. It is possible that all or portions of our National Finals will fill up before the registration deadline, so register early! No refunds will be given after the registration deadline. All entries must be registered online through your studio profile. All entries must include the names and ages (DOB) of all contestants. AGE DIVISIONS ARE DETERMINED AS OF JANUARY 1 of the same calendar year as the National Finals. During the online registration process, you must select and follow through with a payment option in order to deem your registration as final and your entries as secured. Entries are not considered “registered” until full payment is received. The payment options will include: cashiers check or money order, credit card, or PayPal. Once you ‘select’ a payment option, our system will generate a ‘Dupree Dance Event Registration’ confirmation email to you. However, your entries will only be secured once the payment is received. After you complete the payment portion, you will receive a secondary ‘Dupree Dance Event Payment’ confirmation email. If you opt to pay with a cashiers check or money order, you must have your payment postmarked by the registration deadline. Late registrations or registrations submitted by the deadline but without payment will be subject to late fees and only accepted on a space-­‐permitting basis and are not guaranteed. Please carefully review your competition registration before submitting it. Once you complete your registration (by selecting a payment option), our system will NOT allow you to make changes yourself. You must call Dupree Dance by/before Friday, June 6, 2015 if you need to make any changes to your registration. After this time, changes will NOT be permitted. ‘At event’ changes are not permitted. We do not accept independent entries at our National Finals. If a qualified studio plans on registering ONLY solo, duo or trio routines for our National Finals, we do mandate a minimum of 5 competition entries. However, a qualified studio can choose to take as little as one group routine entry. Qualification Process By attending and registering any number of competition entries under your studio profile at any regional event within 1 year of our National Finals, your studio automatically qualifies to register for our Dupree Dance National Finals! Your studio may bring unlimited entries to our National Finals! There will be a $50 per dancer qualification fee for studios who did not have the opportunity to attend a Dupree Dance regional convention/competition but would still like to register and compete at the Dupree Dance National Finals. There will be a $100 per studio (one-­‐time) qualification fee for studios who did attend one of our regional conventions within 12 months 1
prior to our National Finals, but did not register for any competition entries during that event. During the registration process, our system will recognize the studio profiles that qualify for our Dupree Dance National Finals and charge the appropriate qualification fee(s) if they apply. Dancers who register as independents at regional events do NOT represent the studio registration profile necessary for their home studios to register at our Nationals. Unlike ‘competition only’ regional events, every Dupree regional event operates under the constraints of a convention and competitions agenda. Since our regional events have a limited amount of time for competition, Dupree does limit the number of regional competition routines per studio. However, at our National Finals, you can register all of your competition entries despite the fact that only a portion of them may have competed at the Dupree regional event that you attended. Any studio that competes and qualifies at a regional event is permitted to add new students and/or additional entries to their National Finals registration with no additional qualification fees for those students or routines. This allows your studio to bring your best ‘taste test’ to any Dupree regional event competition, and then supplement that with more of your entries at our National Finals! Online Nationals Registration Information National Fees are provided to studio owners and directors only. Please call or email Dupree Dance for the National Finals registration entry fees. By the time you register for our National Finals, your studio will already have a studio profile in our database containing all the dancers who attended the Dupree regional event. You will register for National Finals through your same studio profile. New students and new entries MAY be added to your studios National competition registration, despite whether or not they were represented at the regional event your studio attended/competed at within a year of our Nationals. New studios that opt to register for our Nationals Finals will simply create a studio profile at the beginning of the online registration process. During the registration process, you must first enter the name, DOB and competition level of any dancer you plan on registering to compete in our National Finals. Please refer to our "Competition Levels” criteria and rules when selecting either a “Performance” or “Competitive” level for each one of your dancers. Any studio that attended and qualified at a regional event prior to January 2015 will need to update their database information by selecting a performance level for each dancers name that is currently in our system. Since age divisions at Nationals are determined by the average age of a routine as of January 1and since dancers may be added/deducted from routines previously performed at the regional event, it is possible that a routine may fall within a different age division at our National Finals then it did during the regional event. Divisions / Levels / Categories The following routine divisions are available for your studio during our National Finals. Time limits are provided for each division. Extended Time fees will be provided to Studio Owners/Directors and are applicable for routines that exceed a 15 second ‘grace period’. 2
Routine Division Time Limit Solo (max of 2 solos per dancer at Nationals) 3 minutes Duo/Trio 3 minutes Small Group (4-­‐9 dancers) 3 minutes Lines (10-­‐14 dancers) 4 minutes Productions (15-­‐29 dancers) 6 minutes Super Productions (30+ dancers) 6.5 minutes Competition Levels Dupree Dance has two competition levels, a performance level and a competitive level, at both our regional competitions and National Finals. These two levels will exist for all age groups; Mini, Junior, Teen, Senior and Adult. Individual and Overall Awards will be given to both competition levels in each age division at our National Finals. The two levels are designed to give dancers a more level playing field at competition, not to allow your best dancers to win more awards. Dupree Dance has no way of ‘proving’ or ‘disproving’ the performance level of each registered dancer. Teachers, we trust that you will use fair judgment and honesty when assigning a ‘performance’ or ‘competitive’ level to each of your dancers. Winning is great, but educating young dancers and raising them to perform with integrity is most important. Our Performance Level is for a dancer who trains an average of 1-­‐4 hours of dance per week. Our Competitive Level is for a dancer who trains an average of 5 or more hours of dance per week. During the registration process, you will name each dancer as either a ‘performance’ level dancer or a ‘competitive’ level dancer. Our system will automatically place each dance in the correct division during your registration process based on the combined level of dancers in each routine. The following rules will apply: Duo and trio competition level rule: Any duo or trio containing one or more competitive level dancers will be placed in the competitive division. Groups competition level rule: Any group routine containing two or more competitive level dancers will be placed in the competitive division. Lines and Productions competition level rule: Any line or production routine containing four or more competitive level dancers will be placed in the competitive division. Super production competition level rule: Any super production routine containing six or more competitive level dancers will be placed in the competitive division. 3
“Bump Up” Option: If you feel that the overall level of a routine placed in the ‘performance level’ by our rules is more competitive in nature, you may opt to ‘bump it up’ to the competitive division by calling Dupree Dance. If you choose to exercise this option, we kindly request that you call Dupree Dance by/before the May 6, 2015 registration deadline. It is important that your competition information is completely entered in our system before Dupree Dance is able to apply the ‘bump up’ option to your requested routine(s). It is not an option to bump a routine down from the competitive to the performance level at any time. Dupree Dance will not change a routines competition level following the June 6, 2015 ‘registration changes’ deadline. ‘At event’ changes rule: During the competition live event, if any dancer is injured or unable to perform, the routine must still remain in the exact same age division, routine division, competition level and category. In other words, a small group routine of 4 dancers that becomes a trio at our live event for unforeseen reasons will still be judged in the small group category. That routine will still be eligible for individual, category high and overall awards in the small group category. ‘At event' changes due to injury/illness/unforeseen reasons are not permitted once the first day of our event has begun, regardless of the day that a routine is scheduled to perform. Dancers will not be removed from our registration system at any time for any reason during a live event, despite whether or not they perform. Age Groups The average age will be automatically configured by our online registration system for Duet/Trios, Groups, Lines, Productions and Super Productions. All age divisions at Dupree regional competitions or at National Finals will be determined by the ages of the performers as of January 1, 2015. To determine the age division, our system will average the performers ages and drop the decimal point. Example: 12.0-­‐12.9 will compete in the 12-­‐year-­‐old age division. All competing dancers must be prepared to present proof of age should a question arise. Dancers will be grouped into the following age ranges for our individual and category high score awards: 4 and under, 5-­‐6, 7-­‐8, 9-­‐10, 11-­‐12, 13-­‐15, 16-­‐19, 20-­‐29 (adult) , 30 & up (adult) * Any combined age division with more than five entries in a particular competition level and dance category will be broken down into individual ages. The only exception to this rule is for our adult routines. They will remain grouped together in the 20-­‐29 and 30 & up age division, despite the amount of entries within their age and competition level. (Examples: If there are six or more age 13-­‐15 contemporary solo routines in the competitive division, then the competitive contemporary category age divisions will be broken down into age 13, age 14 and age 15. If there are only four age 7-­‐8 tap routines in the performance division, then the performance tap category with remain grouped to include ages 7-­‐8) Adult Rule: If any duet/trio, small group, line, production or super production has any dancer age 20 or over, they must compete in the Adult age group despite the routines average age. This applies to even one dancer in the routine who is 20 or over, NO exceptions. Adult routines are not eligible for the Dupree Showdown. 4
The following age divisions will be used for Overall High Score awards for both the Performance and Competitive Levels: Mini (8 & under) Junior (9-­‐12) Teen (13-­‐15) Senior (16-­‐19) Adult (20 & up) Additional Competition Rules 2 SOLOS PER DANCER LIMIT Soloists may perform a maximum of two solo routines, but they must be within different categories (i.e.: jazz and lyrical, NOT tap and tap). The same contestant may not place more than once for overall high score awards in the solo division. Only his/her highest scoring routine will be eligible to receive an overall high score award. Dupree Dance reserves the right to limit solo entries due to time constraints. Once the solo limit has been reached, no more solo entries will be accepted. 2 DUO/TRIO EXACT DANCER LIMIT There is a maximum of two duet entries that are comprised of the exact same dancers, but each duet must be within different categories. There is a maximum of two trio entries that are comprised of the exact same dancers, but each trio must be within different categories. For duo and trio entries, there must be at least a one dancer change in order for each routine to still be eligible for an overall high score award. Unless there is at least a 1 dancer change in a secondary duo or trio entry, only the highest scoring duo or trio entry containing the exact same dancers is eligible to receive an overall high score award. 1-­‐DANCER CHANGE RULE WITHIN THE SAME DANCE CATEGORY FOR OVERALL AWARDS The same exact group of performers who compete 2 or more routines in the same dance category may not place more than once for overall high score awards for those routines. The exact same group of performers may win more than one overall high score award if they perform in a different dance category for each routine. (i.e. The same exact 8 dancers cannot compete two jazz routines and win an overall award in both unless there is at least a one-­‐
member variance to the secondary jazz routine. The same exact 8 dancers CAN compete a jazz routine and a lyrical routine and win an overall award for both numbers.) Dance Categories Note: There is a maximum of three acrobatic tricks permissible in every category except our open and acrobatic dance categories. Any routine consisting of 4 or more acrobatic tricks must be entered in the acrobatic dance or open category regardless of the style of routine that is mixed along with the acrobatic elements. A deduction of 1 point per judge will result for routines that do not comply. Tricks are considered movements that pass through or stop at a fully inverted (upside down) position with both feet off the floor (the torso passing or stopping directly over the top of ones head/shoulders). Forward, backward and shoulder rolls, and acro tricks in lifts (a lift being defined as being supported by another dancer with any body part) are not considered tricks. A gymnastic pass will be counted as one trick (i.e. a round-­‐off back-­‐hand spring into a back flip = 1 trick) • Note: Routines that performed under our “Parent Number” category option during our regional event will fall under our Adult Routine age division at Nationals Finals. First and last names along with DOB of each dancer will be entered during the Nationals registration process for these routines. 5
The various types of routines include: JAZZ -­‐ Routine uses primarily jazz technique, utilizing up-­‐tempo music. TAP -­‐ Routine consisting primarily of tap technique. Routines demonstrating clogging technique and style may not compete in the tap category. BALLET -­‐ Primarily ballet technique, including classical steps and movements. POINTE -­‐ Routine uses primarily classical pointe technique. Pointe shoes only. LYRICAL -­‐ Routine consisting of dynamic emotion and expressive movements demonstrated with fluidity, balance, extension and control. CONTEMPORARY -­‐ A fusion of many styles (primarily jazz and lyrical) with a strong emphasis on modern technique. HIP-­‐HOP/JAZZ FUNK -­‐ Routine demonstrating street style of jazz that incorporates hip-­‐hop and/or jazz funk choreography. MUSICAL THEATRE -­‐ Any routine interpreting a song from a Broadway, Movie, Musical or Television Show. NOVELTY – Routine featuring any style of dance that is novelty or theme based. It must portray a recognizable character throughout. OPEN -­‐ Routine demonstrating any dance style or combination of dance styles that is hard to ‘fit’ into any other category offered. Consists of all other categories including, but not limited to ethnic, folkloric, pom-­‐pon, baton, cheerleading, etc. Routines containing 4 or more gymnastic tricks may also opt to enter in the open category. CLOGGING – routine that uses clogging/buck style. Clogging shoes only. SONG AND DANCE – Routine containing both singing and dancing of any time. Dupree will provide 1 hand held microphone only. Dupree Dance does not allow any additional equipment to be hooked into the sound system, therefore, no personal microphones, headsets, etc. will be permitted. ACROBATIC DANCE – A routine that combines classical dance technique with at least 4 or more acrobatic elements. Acrobatic dancer routines are defined by their athletic character and use of acrobatics within a dance context. Controlled movements and flexibility are used and elements like walkovers, aerials, backhand springs, etc. are incorporated. 6
Awards Individual Awards: Each routine will receive a Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum or Diamond award based on the total number of points received from the judges. Scoring systems for both our Performance and Competitive levels of competition are listed under our judging criteria. Category High Score: A 1st place will be awarded to the highest scoring routine per each level, dance category and age division after the individual awards for that group of routines are announced. Judges Choice Awards: Judges Choice award plaques will be presented at each awards ceremony. These awards include, but are not limited to: Entertainment, Technique, Artistry, Choreography, Intensity, Costuming and Precision. Overall High Score: High Score awards are given to the following age divisions for the Performance and Competitive Levels: Mini (8 & under) Junior (9-­‐12) Teen (13-­‐15) Senior (16-­‐19) Adult (20 & up)
Cash Award Criteria and Overall Awards In addition to trophies, cash awards are given to the 1st place Overall High Score winners providing
the minimum number of routines is reached within that particular age and level division.
Competition vouchers are given to the top 2nd and 3rd place Overall High Score winners providing the
minimum number of routines is reached within that particular age and level division. The cash award
and competition voucher criteria is as follows.
Cash award and competition voucher criteria for Solos, Duo/Trios, Groups, Lines & Productions * There must be a minimum of 5 routines in a particular age and level division in order for the 1st place winner to receive a cash award for solos, duos/trios, groups and lines. There must be a minimum of 2 routines in a particular age and level division in order for the 1st place winner to receive a cash award for productions. There must be a minimum of 7 routines in a particular age and level division in order for the 2nd place winner to receive a competition voucher for solos, duos/trios, groups, lines & productions. There must be a minimum of 9 routines in a particular age and level division in order for the 3rd place winner to receive a competition voucher for solos, duos/trios, groups, lines & productions. Cash award and competition voucher criteria for Super Productions * For Super Productions, there is automatically a cash prize given to the 1st place high score winner. There must be a minimum of 3 routines in the super production division in order for the 2nd place winner to receive a competition voucher. There must be a minimum of 5 routines in the super production division in order for the 3rd place winner to receive a competition voucher. The amount of Overall High Score trophies distributed in a particular age and level division is based on the following: 0-­‐4 routines = top 3 overall scores awarded 5-­‐9 routines = top 4 overall scores awarded 10-­‐14 routines = top 5 overall scores awarded 15-­‐19 routines = top 6 overall scores awarded 20-­‐24 routines = top 7 overall scores awarded 25-­‐29 routines = top 8 overall scores awarded 30-­‐34 routines = top 9 overall scores awarded 35 or more routines = top 10 overall scores awarded 7
Top Soloist & Duo/Trio Champions ~ Dupree Showdown Invitation Our 1st place overall solo champions and our 1st place overall duo/trio champions in both the Performance and Competitive level in the Mini, Junior, Teen and Senior age divisions will be invited to perform again at our Dupree Showdown on the last day of our National Finals! Top soloists and duo/trios will not re-­‐compete at the Showdown. If two entries tie for a 1st Overall High Score in any one age and level division, both soloists and/or both duo/trios will be invited to perform at the Dupree Showdown. Stand Out All Star Winners: Any group performer in either the Performance or Competitive division that falls within the Junior, Teen or Senior age division is automatically eligible to be named as a Stand Out All Star Winner. Dupree judges select a total of 2-­‐4 Stand Out All Stars from group routines in recognition of their artistry, performance, technique and overall entertainment quality or ‘charisma’ on stage! Stand Out All Star dancers receive a Dupree Dance t-­‐shirt and a full convention tuition scholarship to attend the following summer’s Dupree Dance Summer Intensive in Chicago, IL! They are also invited to be part of the Dupree Dance All Star Performance Team that will be featured at our Summer Intensive. Stand Out All Star dancers are announced during our last group awards ceremony during our National Dance Finals. Top It Off Award Two “Top It Off” winners will be announced during our National Finals. One routine will be selected from the 12 and under age group and one routine will be selected from the 13 and over age group. Our ‘Top It Off’ award goes to the highest scoring routine from the combined Performance and Competitive division group, line, production, and super production entries. In the event of a tie, Dupree Dance will award a secondary ‘Top It Off’ winner for that age group. Our ‘Top It Off’ routines will receive a special banner and their routine will be featured on our Dupree Dance website and Facebook following our event! Adult routines are excluded from our Top It Off Award winners. Studio Spirit Award This award will be selected by our Backstage Manager(s) and will be presented to the studio that displays the most spirit, as well as overall good sportsmanship backstage during the competition. Up to two Studio Spirit Awards may be given at National Finals. Studio Appreciation Award Two Studio Appreciation Awards will be given to the top two studios with the most participation at our National Finals competition. Each studio will receive a $200 Studio Appreciation gift certificate to apply towards any Dupree regional or national competition event within 13 months from the date awarded. Dupree Showdown! The Dupree Showdown is a way to feature the ‘best of the best’ amongst studios in an exciting conclusion to our National Finals event. We want to highlight the talent of these amazing routines one more time and give them an opportunity to re-­‐compete for the title of Dupree Showdown Champions! 8
In order to qualify for the Dupree Showdown, each studio will look at the highest scoring routine (numeric point value) in both their Performance and Competitive division combined Group, Line, and Production routines in each of the Mini, Junior, Teen and Senior age divisions. Providing the highest scoring entry in each age and level division received either a platinum or diamond award, it qualifies to re-­‐compete at the Dupree Showdown on the last day of our National event. Our Super Production category will be separated from the Group, Line and Production in our Dupree Showdown and will follow the exact same rules. Each studio may only be represented once in each age group within the Performance and Competitive divisions in the combined Group, Line and Production category. In addition, each studio may be represented once in each age group within the Performance and Competitive divisions in the Super Production category. *If a studio has two entries that our system awards a tie in a particular age and level division, then both routines will qualify for the Dupree Showdown. Our system tie breaking procedures are provided under our Judging section. There are no written scores or audio critiques provided during our Dupree Showdown. We want our judges to sit back, relax and focus on the ‘full effect’ of each routine without the pressure to adjudicate. The Dupree Showdown is all about having fun and entertaining your audience! Dancers need to focus on pouring their hearts out and leaving all they have on the dance floor! Beginning with Mini’s, each Age Group’s qualified Showdown routines will perform, and then the judges will take a short break to determine the Showdown Champions, and 1st and 2nd Runners Up. We will then move on to Juniors, Teens and Seniors. There will be a final awards ceremony at the conclusion of the show. During the judges’ short breaks, our 1st Place High Score soloists from each age and level division will be featured on stage! 1st and 2nd Runners Up will be presented in each age group. Dupree Showdown Champions will receive a trophy & banner, $250 cash, plus a $250 gift certificate toward any 2016 regional competition registration. 1st Runners Up will receive a $200 gift certificate toward any 2016 regional competition, and 2nd Runners Up will receive a $100 gift certificate toward any 2016 regional competition. Numbers that qualify for the Dupree Showdown will be announced at the appropriate Group/Line/Production award ceremonies for each age division at our event. 1 studio owner/director will receive a special Dupree Showdown questionnaire form per each routine that qualifies to re-­‐compete. The competition emcee will utilize your form in order to share something special regarding each Showdown routine as they take the stage for the last time. Adult age division routines are not able to qualify for our Dupree Showdown. Judging There will be a total of 3 highly qualified and diverse Dupree Dance judges that will provide scores and audio critiques per each entry. All acts will receive one trophy per act and individual award tags (for each dancer in the routine) that they will be able to add to a gifted Dupree necklace that will be provided to the Owners and Directors during the registration check-­‐in process at our event. Although acts are competing against an adjudicated point system for individual awards, all contestants will compete against each other in their age and level division for the Overall High Score awards. 9
Each act that performs will receive an individual award based on the following scoring systems: Performance Level Scoring System Competitive Level Scoring System Diamond 284-­‐300 Diamond 290-­‐300 Platinum 272-­‐283.9 Platinum 279-­‐289.9 Gold 260-­‐271.9 Gold 268-­‐278.9 Silver 248-­‐259.9 Silver 255-­‐267.9 Bronze 247.9 & under Bronze 254.9 & under Scoring criteria/breakdown Three judges adjudicate each routine in one of five areas. Each judge considers the following criteria: 1. Technique (max of 25 points) 2. Presentation/Artistry (max of 20 points) 3. Routine (max of 20 points) 4. Age Appropriate (max of 15 points) 5. Overall Impression (max of 20 points) In the event of a tie on a Category High Award and during Overall Awards. Technique is first, then Presentation/Artistry and finally the Overall Impression. If two or more routines are still tied once these three areas are compared, a tie will be awarded. Time Schedule A time schedule will be e-­‐mailed no later than 10 days before the National competition date to all entrants. Each Nationals competition schedule is based solely on the breakdown of entries by solos, duet/trios, groups, lines, productions and super productions in each age and competition level. This breakdown is not available until all of the entries have been processed. At that time, a schedule will be set to best accommodate the entrants at that competition. No time requests will be accepted. ALL ENTRIES MUST COMPETE ON THE DAY AND TIME ASSIGNED. Dupree Dance understands that there are sometimes unforeseen events that can arise. Any entry, which is not able to compete at their assigned day and time, may request an alteration to the routine’s performance time. If this is approved, this routine will be permitted to compete for adjudication only and will not be eligible for high score awards. Any change in competition days and/or times is at the sole discretion of the Dupree Dance Directors and will be determined by the time allowance at each event. The number in which each routine is assigned is for reference and identification purposes. We try to run in numerical order, however, you may be asked to compete out of sequence in order to avoid a delay due to costume changes. Performers should be checked in with the Backstage Manager(s) 1 hour prior to their scheduled performance time. Please be prepared to compete when we call your number, even though it may be a little earlier than you anticipated. If we run ahead of schedule, we will stay ahead of schedule. **NOTE** If you determine that you do not have enough time between numbers to change costumes, it is imperative that you advise the backstage manager. If the backstage manager has not been notified of any problem, and you are not ready to compete when called, points may be deducted. If there are at least 4 routines between your entries, we feel it is an adequate amount of time to change quickly and get back on stage. Please do your best to stay on schedule and pre-­‐plan for your ‘quick changes’ accordingly. 10
Incomplete Routine Rule A 10-point deduction will be in effect for a routine that is not completed by a dancer or group of
dancers due to memory mistake(s). "Not completed" is defined as exiting the stage before the routine
is finished. The routine will be scored from the time it started up until the point the dancer(s) exit the
stage. The tabulator will note the 10-point deduction (10 points total, not per judge) on the score
sheet(s) per our Incomplete Routine rule. IF TIME PERMITS, that routine may be given the
opportunity to re-perform but will not be rescored. If a dancer or group of dancers forget one portion
of their routine but remain on stage and complete the routine, our incomplete routine rule is not in
effect. In this case, the judges will take the portion of the routine that was forgotten into
consideration and that will be reflected in their individual scores. Music Submission Dupree Dance will require that all entrants submit their competition music digitally before the event. Digital submission of your music will alleviate the stress of CD's skipping or not reading properly. Digital submission also allows us to prepare a master competition playlist ahead of our event. A detailed email will be sent to entrants a month prior to our event that gives you easy, step-­‐by-­‐step directions on how to submit your music digitally. A strict digital music submission deadline will be given to registrants well in advance. All music must be submitted at the proper speed with a complete ‘start to finish’ edit for each entry. Dupree Dance will not ‘speed up’ or ‘slow down’ music during our competition, nor will we fade out music that is too long. Back up music must be kept on you and can be in the form of a CD or external hard drive (memory card). Props No dangerous props may be used during the competition (swords, fire, etc). General props are allowed, but must be taken on and off the stage within two minutes total (five minutes is permitted for production or super production routines). No liquid, gel, aerosol, glitter, or similar substance that would affect the dancing surface is allowed unless specifically approved by Dupree Dance. Special fog or smoke is not permitted unless specifically approved by Dupree Dance. It is the sole responsibility of each studio to ensure that its props are taken on and off stage. Dupree Dance staff cannot help with props. It is also the studio’s responsibility to ensure that the stage is completely clean and clear after the routine is finished. Storing props in the wings or back stage is not allowed. If a Dupree Dance staff member approves, smaller props may be housed against the wall within 5 numbers of the routine in which they will be used. For safety measures, all props are restricted to a maximum height of 15 feet. Dupree Dance is not responsible for props left overnight or unattended and will not supply power. Free Master Classes during National Finals Dupree Dance is excited to offer a limited number of free master classes during our National Finals in 2015. The amount of classes and the duration of each class offered will be contingent on the National Finals competition event schedule. Within 2 weeks prior to the National Finals, both our final competition line-­‐up and available master classes will be emailed to registered studio owners and directors. At that time, a sign up will be provided and class size will be determined on a first-­‐come, first-­‐served basis. Once the maximum amount of spaces is reached, the class will be closed. Please DO NOT sign up unless you plan on attending the master class(es) offered, as space is limited. 11
‘Psyched and Hyped!’ Studio Video Submissions Every studio that is registered at our National Finals will be given the opportunity to submit a 30 second ‘psyched and hyped’ video! The purpose of your video is simply to share your dancers excitement and readiness as they plan to head to our Nationals Finals! Dupree Dance will email entrants shortly after our registration deadline regarding the requested format for your studios ‘Psyched and Hyped!’ submission. All videos received by the deadline will be played at various times during our National Finals. “Pump It Up Parents” Dance-­‐Off! Within 1 month of our National Dance Finals, Dupree Dance will post a ‘Pump It Up Parents’ video on our website and Facebook. We invite, encourage and challenge a dynamic group of willing and ‘somewhat’ able parents to participate during our Nationals event in our “Pump It Up Parents” Dance-­‐Off! (Little to no dance training needed here parents, come on!) Dupree will play our “Pump It Up” Parents Dance-­‐Off song throughout our Nationals event and pre or post each Awards Ceremony. When the “Pump It Up Parents” song comes on, participants (the cool parents) are encouraged to get up off their thing and break it down in the audience! Kids can help too!! We know, there’s comfort in numbers J Right before our last group awards ceremony takes place, we invite ONLY willing parents to come on stage for the “Pump It Up Parents” Dance-­‐Off! Other than an inflated ego, our Pump It Up Parent or Parent(s) will be nominated by audience participation and will receive a special award. Do you have what it takes to be a “Pump It Up Parent”? Bring it! Additional Information Dupree Dance reserves the right to expand the dates of our Nationals due to number of entries, move the competition to a new location due to unforeseen circumstances, or cancel any event that does not qualify with a minimum number of acceptable entries. If cancellation occurs, all entry fees will be refunded. Dupree Dance reserves the right to limit the number of solos per studio if the amount of entries exceeds the allotted time we have for competition. In this case, studios would be notified within two weeks of our National Finals. By clicking on the waiver option during the online registration process and by signing the Dupree Dance waiver/release form at the event during registration check-­‐in, all registered contestants do hereby grant permission to Dupree Dance to publish their photographs on local television, national television, promotional videos, the web or in any other publication, to promote its competitions. Furthermore, our waiver releases all owners, directors, officers, or representatives of this competition from any and all claims for damages or injuries sustained while participating in any activity related to this competition. Dupree Dance, LLC and the hosting venue are not responsible for personal injury or property loss. Sportsmanlike behavior is expected from all Dupree Dance contestants, teachers and families, and failure to comply with this could result in disqualification with loss of entry fees. No cameras of any kind are allowed during any performance at our National Finals. This includes smart phones or tablets with video capabilities. Violation may result in disqualification of a routine from the Overall High Score awards. Absolutely no coaching is permitted from the audience or backstage during a routine. 12